Worcester Park fire reawakens concerns over modern methods of construction

Concerns over the safety of using modern methods of construction have been reawakened after it was revealed that the fire-ravaged Worcester Park flats had a timber frame.

It has also prompted debate over whether sprinklers should be compulsory for all flats, regardless of their size.

This follows an incident in Worcester Park, West London which saw a four-storey block of flats that was insured by Zurich Municipal burn down, of which sprinklers were not compulsory as it was short-rise.

Amy Brettell, Zurich’s head of customer for UK Claims, told Insurance Times: “This was a devastating fire and our thoughts are with everyone whose homes and belongings have been lost.

“Our primary concern is the welfare of all those affected, and we are working closely with our customer, Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing Association, to ensure residents receive the support and assistance they need.”

Reassurance 

Brettell explained: “It would be inappropriate to speculate on the cause or spread of the fire until the relevant authorities have completed their investigations.

“Since the fire, we have been in close contact with Metropolitan Thames Valley, and have already reassured them that the loss of the building is covered under their policy. We will assess the cost of the claim as soon as the property is safe, and we are given permission to access it.”

She said that Zurich is committed to doing all it can to help residents and remains focused on resolving the claim as quickly as possible.

Legal requirement

Neil Clutterbuck, Allianz’s chief underwriting officer told Insurance Times: “It’s also reported that the building was a timber frame construction where we know fires can take hold very quickly and pose a threat to life as well as cause extensive damage.”

In light of this the Association of British Insurers (ABI) has called for sprinklers to be a compulsory measure.

Laura Hughes, manager, general insurance at the ABI said: “We believe the installation of sprinkler systems should be mandated in properties which house the most vulnerable in society and therefore have been calling for all new and refurbished care homes and schools to have sprinklers installed as a legal requirement.

“The insurance industry recognises the benefits that fire sprinklers have on reducing the level of damage caused and their ability to save lives for many different types of multi-occupancy buildings, not just those over a certain height. Insurer risk management teams often advise customers on the installation of sprinkler systems in properties of high risk to make the customer’s property safer.”

Back in April the ABI called for more data on methods of modern construction in order to better assess risk post Grenfell. 

However, in a previous article, Clutterbuck flagged up that sprinklers alone so not solve all issues around fire safety and that it was vital to look at all risk management measures. This can be various methods of construction used for new builds through to updating older buildings.

He added: “This fire clearly shows why it’s important for smaller properties to be brought into scope for the new regulations on sprinkler installation.”